Booking the Inca Trail

This is a recommended check list to help you book the Inca Trail:

• You should choose which Inca Trail trek length, level of difficulty, and elevation is right for you.  Please review our Inca Trail Routes post for further details.
• Start looking for the date when you would like to hike the Inca Trail and check availability of spaces.
• Decide what you are looking for during the Inca Trail: size of group, type of food and equipment provided, quality of the service (check testimonials or reviews on the internet and providers websites), English fluent and knowledgeable guides, student discounts offered, or any other points that are important to you.
• You should decide how much you are willing to pay.  Before doing so, have in consideration the Inca Trail costs table provided by Andean Travel Web.
• If you own an ISIC Student ID Card, you will get a discount.  Make sure you provide a copy of your ISIC Card at the time of booking.
• Now, you should look for two or three reputable companies that offer what you are looking for and can accommodate your budget.  It is important that you contact them by e-mail or phone to ask a few questions such as methods of payment, hidden fees or taxes (check your junk folder for replies).  Their replies will give you a better idea of who you should work with.
• Once you have chosen the Inca Trail Tour Operator or Travel Agency you want to work with, have your passport and method of payment required ready.
• Your Inca Trail Reservation will be registered at the time that your Inca Trail Tour Operator pays for the permit.  You should receive a copy no later than 48 hours after you made your reservation unless permits are not available for sale (If you are booking for the following year, your permit will not be granted until February of that year).
• Your Inca Trail Tour Operator should answer all questions you may have in a timely manner before starting the trek.
• A brief orientation about the trek should be scheduled by your tour operator in Cusco before starting the trek.